The next two days brought a mixture of medical appointments, physical pain, exhaustion, and unexpected blessings. God’s provision during illness continued to remind me that I was not walking through this healing journey alone. I was navigating recovery from surgery while dealing with intense itching, headaches, hot flashes, and increasing pain, and I also learned that I had stage 1 lymphedema. There were moments of frustration and uncertainty, but there were also beautiful reminders of God’s provision—a doctor who was able to help, family who walked alongside me, a little extra strength when I needed it, and the wonderful surprise of having our van repaired with the bill already paid. Through it all, I was learning again that even in the midst of physical struggles and unanswered questions, God is faithful and continues to provide.
January 11
6:40 I’m having difficulty waking. I think a whole Benadryl is too much when I don’t have a full eight hours to sleep. Arms started itching again around 4am-ish. I sure hope dermatologist can help with something today.
Scripture: Psalm 118:5-6; Proverbs 11; Genesis 9:13-15
Up to share scripture and pray with Dezirae before she leaves for school. Itching has increased and have moderate pain through bones in arms.
Wash dishes. Can bone broth. Work on Jordon’s transcripts for college. Wash load of clothes. Do a few chores. Tried to print the yearly weekly household planner, but author changed it from free to costing. Have to think about it. Able to print free sample.
12:30 Mom and Dad took me to my appointment. Surgery is complete. A headache is present, but it is to be expected. Need to return in 10 days to have stitches removed. The other cyst had burst since my last visit so he can’t do anything with that one right now. The doctor phoned in a Rx for antibiotics to prevent infection as well as for steroid cream to treat the itching.
Learned from the dermatologist that the chlorhexidine wipes are in fact iodine wipes. Oh, brother.
Called pharmacy to check on name of antibiotic and make sure it’s not something I’m allergic to. Learned that the antibiotic has to be ordered and will be in tomorrow. Also, the steroid cream is put on profile because I can only get so much in a period of time. Asked pharmacist to help me know what cream they prescribed. Apparently I was prescribed a small tube of steroid cream last month. Hoping what I have will help.
8:00 Huge praise!!!
Joe just heard from the mechanic. Our van is ready and the bill has already been paid!!! Praise God!!!
Having horrible hot flashes. Researched how to ease the hot flashes but it suggests hormone therapy. Since the cancer is estrogen fed how can we treat my hot flashes? Ugh. Will have to ask my oncologist.
Support for Hot Flashes
https://marnieclark.com/tips-tricks-and-support-for-hot-flashes/
I’m beginning to sense a pattern….the lightning strike was on the left…the cancer is on the left…now the cyst is on the left. Hmm?
Helping Dezirae with English homework – note cards for research paper.
I’m in a lot of pain presently. Whole body hurts. Body feels like weather change coming. Head throbbing. Shoulder throbbing. Exhausted.
Thankful for God’s blessings and provisions.
January 12
4:30 didn’t sleep well. Up every two hours to use restroom. Head is throbbing. It hurts to lift eyebrows.
Scripture: Galatians 3:28;
Email with notifications that I have new information on my medical records. Supposedly I’ve been given 2 zoster vaccines, 2 COVID vaccines, 2 pneumonia vaccines, and 2 flu vaccines. I never gave permission in fact when I first went to doctors, I was asked if I had covid vaccine, I told nurse no and I don’t want it. I’m upset. How can they give vaccine without permission or telling patient they are. I’ve asked every time what’s being given and none of those vaccines were mentioned. Shared with Joe. He’s upset too. Will get down to bottom of it. I certainly and pray that’s it’s a typographical error.
Scripture: Genesis 32-34;
Drink Essiac Tea. Gave me a little more energy than I had. Canned three jars of red beans. Couple chores around house. Study for Ladies Mtg. Create Scripture Cards. Dinner in crock-pot.
I’m starting to feel nauseated and not feeling well. Need to rest. Eat breakfast.
Crashed for about an hour.
Arms start itching fiercely while waiting to be seen. PT appointment went well. Therapist was nice and informative. Did some measurements for baseline. I have stage 1 lymphedema. Suggestions to be fitted with a sleeve, therapy 1-2 times a week for a month then reassess. Will teach me exercises, massage, etc. to help.
Exhausted. Feeling nauseous again. Laying down for 20 minutes. Took ginger capsule.
Thankful for…
1. Getting my van back with AC fixed
2. Able to put up new bulletin board by myself (I’ll probably be hurting for it later)
3. Being able to snuggle and chat about my thoughts with Joe
New Here?
If you’re just joining my journey, you can read how it all began — from the lightning strike to breast cancer and the faith lessons God carried me through along the way.
👉 Start at the beginning here:
Hello world! – Charitymaeprosper